Music

General Music 6

Required for students not in ensembles

20 weeks, once on an A/B/C day rotation

Course Description

Sixth grade general music meets one out of three days on the A/B/C day rotation for twenty weeks. This course is a continuation of the elementary music program.  Students will work with the state and national standards to further increase their skill in singing, reading music, playing classroom instruments (recorder and/or piano), composing, improvising and understanding music in relation to history and culture.

General Music 7

Required for students not in ensembles

Full year program, meets once on an A/B/C day rotation

Course Description

Students in Grade 7, not enrolled in a performing ensemble, will take the equivalent of 20 weeks of general music.  General Music 7 is offered once on an A/B/C day rotation for a full year.  The curriculum will follow the Shenendehowa K-12 Essential Course Content and Competencies.  This course will further explore skill development in performing, composing, improvising, music reading, analytical listening, and music in relation to history and culture.  This course includes a guitar and World Music Drumming component, as well as the integration of music technology.

Performing Music Ensembles Grades 6-8

The middle school music program offers instrumental and choral students the opportunity to further develop individual musicianship with greater depth, independence and understanding.  The large rehearsal setting helps students develop their skills in music reading, intonation, sight-reading, dynamics, balance and blend.  

Students who elect a performing music ensemble should understand they are selecting a course which meets regularly all year following an alternate day rehearsal schedule.  As members of a performing ensemble, students are expected to attend all evening concerts and school community performances.

Band

Full year program, meets once on an A/B/C day rotation and one weekly lesson on rotating schedule

Membership in the Band Program is open to all students who have successfully completed their previous year band experience and demonstrate proficiency on a wind or percussion instrument.  Band meets every three days for 1 block (60 mins) throughout the year and students are also expected to attend a weekly lesson on a rotating schedule.  

Course Requirements/Recommendations:

As members of the band program, students are expected to attend all evening concerts and school performances.

This course requires individual practice outside of the school day.

Choir

Full year program, meets once on an A/B/C day rotation

Membership in the Choral Program is open to students who have successfully completed their previous year choral experience or by recommendation of the ensemble director.  Choir meets once on an A/B/C day rotation for a full year.  

Course Requirements/Recommendations:

As members of the choral program,  students are expected to attend all evening concerts and school performances. 

This course  requires individual practice outside of the school day.

Orchestra

Full year program, meets once on an A/B/C day rotation and one weekly lesson on rotating schedule

Membership in the Orchestra Program is open to all students who have successfully completed their previous year orchestra experience and demonstrate proficiency on a string instrument.  Orchestra meets every other day throughout the year and students are also expected to attend a weekly lesson on a rotating schedule. 

Course Requirements/Recommendations:

As members of the orchestra program, students are expected to attend all evening concerts and school

performances.  This course requires individual practice outside of the school day.

Select Ensembles

Select ensembles such as Jazz Band, Chamber Orchestra, Ambassadors, and Treble Choir are available by audition and rehearse either in the morning before homeroom or after school.